MESSAGE FROM LES COOK, VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS: As you many of you know, Gloria Melton will be retiring as the Dean of Students in August . She has served in this role since 2004 and her compassion and insight will be missed. I am happy to announce that Bonnie Gorman, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, will be rejoining Student Affairs as the Dean of Students when Gloria retires in August . Many of you know Bonnie has extensive experience in Student Affairs at other institutions as well as previously serving as Director of First Year Programs and the Associate Vice President for Student Life. She is a great asset to the Michigan Tech community and I am excited to have her working more closely with students again. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at 487-2465 or lpcook@mtu.edu.

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BIKE MAINTENANCE CLINIC: The Outdoor Adventure Program will sponsor a Bike Maintenance Clinic on Wednesday, April 13 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Outdoor Adventure Program, 207 East Street across the highway from the main campus. Representatives from local Outdoor Gear Outfitters (Downwind Sports, Cross Country Sports and The Bike Shop) will be present to conduct tune ups on bikes for $10.00. Food and Drinks will be provided. For additional information, contact OAP at 487-2290, or email oap@mtu.edu.

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MOTORCYCLE STUNT SHOW: On Friday April 15, during Spring Fling, the Full Throttle Motorcycle Club of Michigan Tech is hosting a motorcycle stunt show! Two great groups will be performing on our campus: Sick Air FMX, featuring freestyle motocross tricks, and the Smage Brothers, featuring trials riding. Shows will begin at noon, 2:00, and 4:00, and are free for everyone. PLEASE NOTE: The shows will take place in Lot 27 (the $2 lot), so this lot will be unavailable for parking all day on Friday, April 15. For more questions about the stunt show, contact Kaitlyn Bunker at kjreed@mtu.edu.

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FREE BOWLING: Join the sisters of Alpha Sigma Tau in a friendly bowling outing! Bowling will be in the basement of the MUB on Wednesday, April 13 at 6:00 pm. Drivers will meet in the residence hall lobbies at 5:45 pm to provide rides. Contact Heather Bultman at hdbultma@mtu.edu with questions. Hope to see you there!

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BENEFIT CONCERT FOR JAPAN: The Praise In Effect Gospel Choir presents The Blood on Saturday, April 23 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the MUB Ballroom. The concert is in support of Japan relief efforts and free will donations will be accepted. For questions, contact Kari Jordan at kari@mtu.edu.

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SO YOU THINK YOU CAN’T DANCE: You are welcome to join us anytime between 1-4 pm on Saturday, April 16, 2011 in the MUB Commons for “So You Think You Can’t DANCE” where the Society of Intellectual Sisters will teach you how to dance! Admission is by donation and all of the proceeds from this event will go towards the Betty Chavis Scholarship Fund. In recognition of Betty Chavis’ twenty years of service to Michigan Technological University, her colleagues, friends, alumni, and current students wish to acknowledge her unwavering commitment to diversity and young people at Michigan Tech and throughout the community by starting the Betty Chavis Scholarship Fund to assist students who have short-term, or unexpected financial need.

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MOVE-IN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR FALL: COMPASS (Center for Orientation, Mentoring, Parents and Academic Student Success) would like to invite student organizations to help Michigan Tech’s first-year students move in on Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21. Your group can pledge time for one two hour shift or multiple shifts. This is a great service opportunity for your organization! Please go to http://www.orientation.mtu.edu/pages/volunteerForm.html to sign up to volunteer. Thank you in advance for your service to the newest members of the Michigan Tech community!

We know April just started, but believe it or not, there are only 13 class days until Finals week.

Right now it’s week 12 of 14, and it’s the perfect time to develop clear academic goals for the end of the term.

If you want to finish the academic year strong start right now by gathering the syllabi for each of your classes. Determine which days all of your homework assignments, projects, and exams fall for the rest of the term and mark them on the calendar.

Once you have a calendar of academic deadlines create a plan for completing all your studying and homework ahead of schedule.
If you’re struggling to grasp concepts in some of your courses don’t wait until the last minute to get help. Head to the learning centers now; they will provide you with past exams and sample problems, plus they can help you complete homework assignments and projects.